Virginia M. Kaelber – O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

Virginia M. Kaelber, 85, of Quincy, passed away at 11:00 am Monday, November 18, 2024, at her home in Quincy, IL.

Born on March 29, 1939, in Augusta, IL, Virginia was the loving daughter of Jesse and E. Lucille (Parsons) Allen. Her life was a testament to the love and joy she brought to all who knew her. On April 4, 1958, Virginia married the love of her life, Walter “Buck” J. Kaelber Jr., in Quincy, IL. Married for 66 years, their enduring partnership was filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. Buck survives her, carrying forward the legacy of their life together.

Virginia’s family was her pride and joy. She is survived by her four devoted children, Jack Kaelber (Elaine), Jill Monken (Cliff), Dave Kaelber (Carla), and Darla Fesler (Tony). Her eleven grandchildren, Melannie (David), Jayme, Sonya, Sara, Emily, Sarah, Shawnee, Jackson, Allison (Parker), Skylar (Kolby), and Payton (Tyler), along with her fifteen great-grandchildren, JaKaiLynn, Hayden, Tatum, Damari, Nariah, Jaxxson, McKenna, Isaac, Aidan, Onyx, Ava, Paisley, Archer, Kolt, Kohen, and one on the way, brought her immeasurable happiness. Virginia also leaves behind her “bonus daughter,” Carrie Anderson (Paul), her brothers Jim Allen (Ruth) and Bill Allen (Becky), her sisters Anna Chapman, Paulette Wiewel (Mark), and Ethel Willingham, her sister-in-law Joyce Kaelber, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Her life was enriched by the many wonderful friends she made throughout the years. She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Dorcas King; one brother, Carroll Allen; and one special cousin whom she referred to as “Cuzzie”, Vera Huechteman.

In her early years, the family moved to Quincy and Virginia attended Quincy Public Schools. Her career journey began with running an at-home daycare, followed by a position as a sales associate at Sears. She found her calling as a bookkeeper, a role she embraced with dedication at Mercantile Bank until her retirement in 2010. Virginia’s professional path also included time at Bank of America, Boatman’s, and Illinois State Bank, where she was known for her meticulous work and warm demeanor.

Her interests were as varied as they were passionate. Virginia loved dancing, especially ballroom dancing with Buck. They were also regulars at Tangerine Lanes, enjoying their Sunday night bowling league. An avid camper, she frequented Injun Joe and Wyaconda campgrounds. Virginia’s canning skills were unmatched, with tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato juice being her specialties. Travel was a joy for her, with trips ranging from Niagara Falls to Nashville, and even short jaunts to Arbela, MO, for catfish or Oklahoma City for Chinese cuisine.

Virginia’s culinary talents were legendary, especially her fried chicken, homemade noodles, and the “big cookies” she baked for birthday celebrations. Her home was often filled with the sounds of Survivor or game shows on the TV and country music on the radio. She was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs and later the Chicago Blackhawks. Her playful spirit shone through when she howled at the moon with her family and led pot and pan parades in the alley with her grandkids. She had a great appreciation for parades and the vibrant sound of marching bands.

Above all, Virginia’s greatest joy was her family. Her warm presence and an affectionate hug and pat on the backside were her trademarks. Her love knew no bounds, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she has left behind.

Friends and Family are invited to Virginia’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Monday, November 25, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 10:00 am Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy. Bishop Seth Seaman will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy, IL.

Pallbearers will be Jackson Kaelber, George Meyer, Jack Kaelber, Dave Kaelber, Tony Fesler, Cliff Monken, Larry Brandhorst, and Paul Anderson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Blessing Hospice.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.